Pros and Cons of Living in Texas: An Honest Guide

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Texas has a reputation, and most of it is earned, the good and the bad. If you’re thinking about living in Texas, here’s an honest look at the pros and cons from people who love it here and still complain about August.

At a glance

Pros	Cons
No state income tax	High property taxes
Strong job market	Long, hot summers
More house for your money than the coasts	Expensive home insurance
Incredible food	Car-dependent cities
Friendly people and strong communities	Severe weather: hail, floods, hurricanes, freezes
Huge variety of landscapes	Huge distances between places

The pros of living in Texas

1. No state income tax

Texas doesn’t tax wages, so your paycheck goes further. For higher earners and retirees with pensions or investment income, that can mean thousands of dollars a year.

2. Jobs in almost every industry

Energy, tech, health care, aerospace, finance, logistics and manufacturing all have deep roots here. Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio are among the largest metro areas in the country, with corporate headquarters, major hospitals and universities.

3. Housing and space

Compared with California or the Northeast, your money buys more square footage and a bigger yard. Prices vary widely, though. Austin is expensive, while many smaller cities remain very affordable.

4. The food

Central Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex, Gulf seafood, kolaches, chicken-fried steak and some of the best Vietnamese and Mexican food in the country, especially in Houston. Start with our Texas BBQ Guide.

5. The people and the culture

Texans tend to be friendly, open and proud of where they live. Communities rally around schools, churches and, yes, high school football. See A Fan’s Guide to a Texas Friday Night.

6. Variety

Deserts and mountains in West Texas, canyons in the Panhandle, spring-fed rivers in the Hill Country, piney woods in East Texas and beaches on the Gulf. You could spend a lifetime exploring. Our best Texas road trips and best Texas state parks guides are a good start.

7. Sports

Pro teams in every major league, passionate college rivalries and the biggest high school football culture in America.

The cons of living in Texas

1. Property taxes

No income tax means local governments lean on property taxes, and Texas rates are among the highest in the nation. Homeowners should file for the homestead exemption, and renters often feel it in their rent.

2. The heat

Summers are long. Much of the state regularly tops 100°F, and humid areas like Houston feel even hotter. Expect high air-conditioning bills and plan outdoor activities for early morning.

3. Severe weather

Depending on where you live: hailstorms, tornadoes in North Texas, flash floods in the Hill Country, hurricanes on the coast and rare but serious winter freezes. Read Texas weather by region before choosing a city.

4. Insurance costs

Hail and wind make home and auto insurance more expensive than in many states. Flood insurance is separate and worth considering in many areas.

5. You’ll need a car

Outside of a few downtown areas, public transit is limited, and the big metros are spread out. Commutes on major highways can be long.

6. Distances

Texas is about 800 miles across. Visiting family on the other side of the state can be a full day’s drive.

7. Fast growth

Popular suburbs are growing quickly, which can mean traffic, construction and crowded schools in some areas.

Making Texas living easier

• A smart thermostat to keep summer bills in check.
• A portable power station for storm outages.
• A hail cover for your car if you don’t have a garage.
• A NOAA weather radio for tornado and flood warnings.

The bottom line

For most people, the pros of living in Texas outweigh the cons, especially if you value opportunity, affordability compared with the coasts, and a culture with real character. Go in with your eyes open about heat, property taxes and storms, and choose your city carefully. Ready to make the move? Read our guide to moving to Texas.

Live in Texas? Tell us your biggest pro and con on the Texas Journeys Facebook page.